Scars decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected squamous cell carcinoma scars have been rated as noncompensable. The Board finds that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his painful and unstable scar of the anterior and posterior trunk is denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and diabetes mellitus are remanded due to procedural errors in scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's headaches are rated at 50 percent effective from April 15, 2022.,A compensable evaluation for the disfiguring scar of the neck is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension claim is denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the condition.,Her bilateral plantar fasciitis, to include flat foot, is rated at the maximum schedular disability rating (50%) and additional symptoms are not considered for a higher rating.,The Veteran's scars status post left ankle Kidner procedure with exploration left peroneal tendon do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities substantially contributed to his death, and therefore grants service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for nephritis and related scars were denied, with the effective date set at April 24, 2024.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The scars of the scalp and forehead, right lower extremity, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss are all rated as they currently stand.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and an inadequate medical opinion. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a scar on his left arm will be reviewed again.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and a need for further investigation into toxic exposure risk activities.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran will be provided with notice of his right to a hearing before the VA.

The Veteran's neck/cervical strain, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and scars related to bilateral plantar fasciitis release surgery have been granted initial ratings of 20%, 30%, and 10% respectively.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for a rating greater than 10 percent for residuals of a rectovaginal fistula with vaginal scarring and dyspareunia. A 100 percent rating is granted effective January 2, 2023, for rectum and sphincter impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause his regular need for aid and attendance, thus the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance was denied.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for a scar behind the left knee, an initial 20 percent evaluation for a low back disability prior to June 10, 2019, service connection for bilateral hearing loss and CTS of the left upper extremity, and service connection for a right shoulder disability are denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from September 1, 2008 to May 20, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities making him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

Effective dates of November 28, 1997 are granted for service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder with anxiety reaction (previously PTSD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and residual scars (x3), anterior trunk.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate due to his ability to perform most activities of daily living independently despite some limitations.

The Board has dismissed the claim for hypertension as moot due to its grant in a previous decision. The claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, low back disability, lung disability, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and facial scar are all remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is associated with left upper extremity radiculopathy, and he has been granted a 30 percent rating for this condition. His right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 50 percent. The right anterior neck scar status post cervical fusion does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of August 10, 2022 for the grant of service connection for skin cancer and its residuals. The appeal for an increased rating is remanded.